[banditpowdercoat]

Originally Posted by ReefOcean

Your friend sounds like he builds systems very close tot he ones China pumps out. They are built with 1w Bridgelux or worse LEDS.

For SPS and Clams, I wouldn't use them unless your livestock is 6 inches away from the light and directly under it. I speak from experience, I have a 120w currently over my 30 gallon.

I would do one 120w lamp over each 1.5-2 feet of tank, as close to the water as possible. For a 24 inch deep tank, you will be looking at uner 150 par at max depth but like with all LEDs, the initial par at higher levels is good.

As for LEDs, a (white-blue) of (2-1) ratio will net you about 14,000K. Mine is 1-1 and it is definately 20k at least.

As for pricing, you can get these systems for $150-220 shipped from China. I can point you in the right direction if you wish. I can vouch for one company, my light has been going great for almost a year. They also offer 3 years warrenty etc which leads me to believe your friend is in fact reselling and not manufacturing.

You meantion Bridgelux. Are you talking the single LED's or Multichip? I am experimenting with the Bridgelux Multichips 90-100Lumen/Watt 60Watt chips. And supplimenting with Actinic. Not done building it yet